Sunday, January 31, 2021

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace REVIEW

All the Stars and Teeth
by Adalyn Grace


πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ‘

Synopsis

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer — the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder — and more peril — than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.


Review

This is my kind of fantasy!! It had everything I love in it. Mermaids, magic, pirates, action, adventure and an alluring cover to hold it all together.

The writing in this book was stunning. I found myself captivated by the beautiful world Adalyn Grace has created. She has managed to build a world you can imagine vividly without being over descriptive. It's just wonderful.

Amora was a great main character. I felt she was well thought out and well written. I loved watching her grow as a character during her journey to prove herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'm equally excited to sink my teeth into the sequel All the Tides of Fate. A review for that one will be posted here on February 2 so don't forget to check back then.

When's the Wedding? by Olivia Spring COVER REVEAL

 When's the Wedding?

by Olivia Spring

Hey everyone, today we have something super fun and special! As you can probably guess from title of this post, we are doing a cover reveal. Keep scrolling because you really don't want to miss this beauty. 

Synopsis

She’s found the perfect man. Will she get her perfect proposal?

Dog hotel marketing manager Alex has always dreamed of having a fairy-tale proposal: the glorious sunset, iconic backdrop and rose petals – the whole shebang. She’s found her Mr Right, and life with sexy paediatrician Miles is wonderful, except for one thing. Despite saying that he’s ready for marriage, Miles seems no closer to putting a ring on it.

After a romantic getaway to Paris ends in more disappointment and Alex receives news that sends her world into a spin, she decides that her dream proposal won’t just fall into her lap. So she hatches a plan.

Although she’s convinced her methods will lead to Miles popping the question faster than she can say ‘I do’, Alex’s friends warn her it will end in disaster. But a little bit of hint dropping can’t hurt, right?

Will Alex get her happily-ever-after, or is there a reason why Miles is dragging his feet?


Order this fun romantic comedy now and join Alex on her exciting adventures as she attempts to speed up the proposal process, with hilarious results!


When’s The Wedding? is the sequel to Only When It’s Love. It can also be read as a standalone novel.

Publication Date: 25th March 2021

Pre-Order Links:

UK: https://amzn.to/33T8qjG
US: https://amzn.to/303smiT
CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08JVM1K5S/

So without further delay, here it is!!





☆ ☆




☆ ☆ ☆




☆ ☆ ☆ ☆




☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆




☆ ☆ ☆ ☆




☆ ☆ ☆




☆ ☆






There it is! Isn't it beautiful!!!

Author Bio

Olivia Spring is a British, London-based writer of contemporary women’s fiction, sexy chick lit and romantic comedy. Her uplifting debut novel The Middle-Aged Virgin, which was released in July 2018, deals with being newly single in your thirties and beyond, dating, relationships, love, sex and living life to the full.

In addition to The Middle-Aged Virgin, Olivia has published four novels: The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy, Love Offline, Losing My Inhibitions and Only When It’s Love. When’s The Wedding?, the hotly anticipated sequel to Only When It’s Love and Olivia’s sixth novel, will be published in March 2021.

When she’s not writing, Olivia can be found travelling to Italy to indulge in pasta, pizza and gelato and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!


Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ospringauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ospringauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ospringauthor/
Website: http://www.oliviaspring.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/olivia-spring

Thanks for reading! 

See you on the moon! XO

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Love and Ohana Drama by Melissa Baldwin GUEST POST

 Love and Ohana Drama

by Melissa Baldwin


Synopsis

Love and Ohana Drama is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of family dynamics and reminds readers that there is always hope for a second chance. Sometimes the most challenging situations bring the most happiness . . .

Twenty-something Cora Fletcher is a book-loving public relations executive who lives with her overly Zen best friend and attention-loving cat. Newly single and focusing on her exciting career, she feels like she’s in a good place. She's even been invited on an all-expenses-paid Hawaiian vacation! The only catch—it’s a family reunion . . . and her family can be a lot to handle.

Cora vows to not let that get in the way, but even before the family has boarded the plane, the ohana drama begins. As usual, there's the sister-in-law who is bent on causing friction, the self-centered cousins, and the aunt who loves to party a bit too much. Her mother has filled the itinerary with endless activities, and she's even invited Cora’s ex-boyfriend in an attempt to get them back together.

Although she feels overwhelmed, Cora gets a blast from her past that could impact her life forever. This is one welcome reunion she did not expect . . .

Will Cora make it through a week of family togetherness? And will she be able to say aloha to someone she thought was out of her life forever?


Guest Post

One of my favorite things about being an author is bringing my characters to life. This is especially true for the villains. Honestly, who doesn’t love a deliciously good antagonist? My novels are filled with these individuals who love to wreak havoc and create challenges for the heroine and/or hero. These characters include a horrible boss, jealous cousin, former best friends and the not so loyal boyfriend. And in my cozy mysteries—the murderers of course. Villains come in all different shapes and sizes and that’s what makes their characters so much fun to write. Of course, in the end I want good to prevail over evil. And I live for those moments when the truth is revealed.

This got me thinking about my favorite villain of all time. Of course, being the Disney fan that I am, I immediately thought of those wonderful Disney villains. They always deliver the worst of the worst or is it the best of the best? Even our beloved Cullen’s faced many dire situations at the hands of some wicked vampires in the Twilight Saga.

While I adore my protagonists, I remind myself that even the villains have a story. This year I’m hoping to redeem one of my characters in anew book I’m writing. I can’t wait to see what happens. Will she change her ways? Can she make amends for all the damage she caused? It’s going to be a wild ride.

Author Bio


Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

She’s a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of nineteen Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.

When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.

Social Media Links:




Monday, January 25, 2021

Circles of Deceit by Paul CW Beatty SPOTLIGHT

 Circle of Deceit

by Paul CW Beatty


Synopsis

Murder, conspiracy, radicalism, poverty, riot, violence, capitalism, technology: everything is up for grabs in the early part of Victoria’s reign.

Radical politicians, constitutional activists and trade unionists are being professionally assassinated. When Josiah Ainscough of the Stockport Police thwarts an attempt on the life of the Chartist leader, Feargus O’Connor, he receives public praise, but earns the enmity of the assassin, who vows to kill him.

Circles of Deceit, the second of Paul CW Beatty’s Constable Josiah Ainscough’s historical murder mysteries, gives a superb and electric picture of what it was to live in 1840s England. The novel is set in one of the most turbulent political periods in British history, 1842-1843, when liberties and constitutional change were at the top of the political agenda, pursued using methods fair or foul.

Paul CW Beatty combines his background in science and politics with his fascination with history. A working-class boy, at grammar school in Birmingham, he had to choose between history and science at university. A medical research career in the NHS and university called, but he never forgot his dream of writing. The Constable Josiah Ainscough series of novels is the result.

Author Bio


Paul CW Beatty is an unusual combination of a novelist and a research scientist. Having worked for many years in medical research in the UK NHS and Universities, a few years ago he took an MA in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University emerging with a distinction.

His latest novel, Children of Fire, is a Victorian murder mystery set in 1841 at the height of the industrial revolution. It won the Writing Magazine’s Best Novel Award in November 2017 and is published by The Book Guild Ltd.

Paul lives near Manchester in the northwest of England. Children of Fire is set against the hills of the Peak District as well as the canals and other industrial infrastructure of the Cottonopolis know as the City of Manchester.

Social Media Links:



Wednesday, January 20, 2021

The Diamond Rose by Daniela Valenti REVIEW

The Diamond Rose

by Daniela Valenti


πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ‘

Synopsis:

Amanda’s med school graduation is unlike any other. A solar flare awakens her super psychic powers, enabling her to fight evil, supernatural and human alike. She is the Sentinel 10, the most powerful warrior in a secret society of similarly endowed people. Her life becomes a whirlwind of international travel and exciting paranormal challenges. But all is not as it seems. Soon Amanda discovers that the man she loves has an evil alter ego, and that her own powers have a dark side. This first year as a Sentinel will push the limits of her resilience, and put her own humanity to the test. The Diamond Rose is a thrilling and romantic adventure, the first in an exciting new series. Fans of paranormal romance will enjoy this tale of a female heroine who struggles to understand love and master her own powers.


Review:

Thank you to iReads Book Tours and Daniela Valenti for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

Amanda is an ordinary girl until a solar flare opens psychic powers she didn't realize she had. Her life takes a complete turn and suddenly she is fighting evil and finding out how strong her powers actually are. Spoiler Alert! She is super strong!

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. I thought the story was really fun and engaging. It didn't take long before it captured my attention. The magical aspect was done very well. I thought it was creative and unique as I've never read anything quite like this before. My favorite part of this book is the relationship between Amanda and an unlikely match. The ending was just about perfect. It left me in anticipation for the next book in the series. 

Overall, I enjoyed this one from start to finish and I can't wait for the second book. If you're looking for a book with romance, magic and just a few secrets I'd recommend giving this one a try. 

Author Bio


Daniela Valenti is the pen name for a Canadian psychiatrist who writes Paranormal Fiction. That may seem incongruous, but it’s not really. The work in her chosen field and her writing dovetail nicely. She is able to draw upon her work as a psychiatrist to create multidimensional characters who are simultaneously powerful and vulnerable. Daniela lives in Montreal and holds a medical degree from McGill. She speaks French and regards herself a chatty introvert. Growing up, she was a voracious reader of sci-fi and fantasy. Her interests today include supernatural lore, skincare and fashion, gorgeous travel destinations, true crime, and learning about narcissism and psychopathy. She’s thought a lot about love and evil and maintains that narcissism is the true nature of all evil. Daniela has traveled extensively. Her love of the exotic dominates many of the settings where the characters in her stories romp and play their parts. Her prior attempts at writing began at age nine with a story about a doctor’s cat, and then a short sci-fi story at age twenty-three. Thirteen years later, her foray into serious-minded writing simply happened. She began writing in 2017, after she returned from a trip to Prague for an international forensic psychiatry conference. What she learned there, combined with her impressions of Prague, her prior ruminations on the nature of love and evil, and her clinical knowledge all combined to create the first book in her series. It was a moment when all sorts of aspects of herself, her life experiences and her interests came together, like a self-assembling puzzle. The story came to her like a movie, unfolding in her head as she sat on an airplane, staring at the screen-less back of the chair in front of her, for the eight-hour trip back to Canada. Once set in motion, the wheels of creation kept on turning, and resulted in the Sentinel 10 series.

Social Media Links:


Giveaway:

Exclusive Lisa Eldridge red velvet makeup bag with 2 lipsticks (USA only) (1 winner) (ends Feb 5)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284107/

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones REVIEW

 An American Marriage

by Tayari Jones


πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•

Synopsis:

Newlyweds, Celestial and Roy, are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive and she is artist on the brink of an exciting career. They are settling into the routine of their life together, when they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.

This stirring love story is a deeply insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward- with hope and pain- into the future.

Review:

First, I'm going to say I had no interest in reading this book. However, I needed to fill the prompt "A book that has won the Women's Prize for Fiction" for the 2021 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge and this one just so happened to be available on Libby. Now I say thank you POPSUGAR and thank you Libby! An American Marriage is absolutely beautifully written and engaging. Once I started it I had to continue until I was finished. 

Jones did an amazing job at capturing the various emotions of the main characters. Their relationships were so complex and intertwined. I loved the way the characters were brought to life with dramatic human nature with their decisions and consequences that followed. I can't say I liked or disliked any of the characters, but I felt for all of them. It was difficult to distinguish who was right and who was wrong because of the tangled web of their lives.

The story itself was really interesting. We follow Roy and Celestial through their lives together. We see them fall in love, get married, deal with his imprisonment and finally with the destruction of their marriage. The flow of the story was absolutely perfect, it was like a movie for my mind. It all played out so well. I just loved this one so much. I highly recommend it. 

Thursday, January 14, 2021

The Hole In The World by Brandann R. Hill-Mann REVIEW

 The Hole In The World

by Brandann R. Hill-Mann


πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ‘πŸŒ‘

Synopsis:

Magic is, and always has been, all around us. At least, Innes has always believed so. Kahrin? She’s more skeptical. After all, she’s never seen proof. That doesn’t stop her from supporting her best friend in his belief, as in all things in their lives.

One accident and a near-miss later, the pair are forced to grapple with the realities of the world of magic, whether they believe in it or not. Innes is sure that the mysterious Yelena is more than just a beautiful girl with amnesia and a prickly brother. Kahrin is sure she’s going to regret going along with it. Still, she does, because she trusts him, and that has always been the foundation upon which their love and friendship is built.

The Hole in the World is a story of love, friendship, and knowing that sometimes that is all you need to have trust.


Review:

Thank you to Brandann R. Hill-Mann for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

The Hole In The World is an interesting read, to say the least. I don't read a lot of this type of fantasy but I have to say I enjoyed it.

I found it to be a slow but comfortable burn. While the book seemed slightly longer than it actually was, it was still entertaining enough to hold my interest.

The characters were interesting enough. Innes and Kahrin are best friends, lovers and the main characters of this book. I found their relationship to be average. There wasn't anything extra special about them for me. My favorite characters were Yelena and her brother Evan. I love the creepy dynamic between them. The author did a great job at creating tension surrounding these two characters.

Overall, I thought this was a good book. I'm looking forward to read the second book Bloof of the True Believer within the next few days.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Every Single Lie by Rachel Vincent REVIEW

 Every Single Lie

by Rachel Vincent


πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ‘

Synopsis:

In this gripping YA novel about social media bullying and half-truths, one girl's discovery of a dead baby in her high school locker room rocks an entire community.

Nobody in Beckett's life seems to be telling the whole story. Her boyfriend Jake keeps hiding texts and might be cheating on her. Her father lied about losing his job before his shocking death. And everyone in school seems to be whispering about her and her family behind her back.

But none of that compares to the day Beckett finds the body of a newborn baby in a gym bag-Jake's gym bag -on the floor of her high school locker room. As word leaks out, rumors that Beckett's the mother take off like wildfire in a town all too ready to believe the worst of her. And as the police investigation unfolds, she discovers that everyone has a secret to hide and the truth could alter everything she thought she knew.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1547605235/

Review:

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow... this was an emotional read from start to finish. We start off with our main character Beckett dealing with some pretty average teenage drama. She's had a breakup with her boyfriend and isn't taking it too well. It doesn't take long for all that to change when Beckett finds a dead baby in the school locker room. Soon her life starts to unravel as she learns of secrets that could hurt her in more ways than one.

I am absolutely stunned by how wonderful this book was. It was fantastically written and well paced.  I hated to put it down. The ending was shocking and heartbreaking. Every Single Lie is an emotional read that covers substance abuse, addiction, teen pregnancy, death, and bullying. While the themes within this book are hard to read, it is an amazing piece of work that I recommend reading for anyone who likes hard hitting YA. 

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink REVIEW

 Angel of Greenwood

by Randi Pink


πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ‘

Synopsis:

Randi Pink's The Angel of Greenwood is a historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the "Black Wall Street."…

Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Wilson is, on the surface, a town troublemaker, but is hiding that he is an avid reader and secret poet, never leaving home without his journal. A passionate follower of W.E.B. Du Bois, he believes that black people should rise up to claim their place as equals.

Sixteen-year-old Angel Hill is a loner, mostly disregarded by her peers as a goody-goody. Her father is dying, and her family’s financial situation is in turmoil. Also, as a loyal follower of Booker T. Washington, she believes, through education and tolerance, that black people should rise slowly and without forced conflict.

Though they’ve attended the same schools, Isaiah never noticed Angel as anything but a dorky, Bible toting church girl. Then their English teacher offers them a job on her mobile library, a three-wheel, two-seater bike. Angel can’t turn down the money and Isaiah is soon eager to be in such close quarters with Angel every afternoon.

But life changes on May 31, 1921 when a vicious white mob storms the community of Greenwood, leaving the town destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Only then, Isaiah, Angel, and their peers realize who their real enemies are.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Angel-Greenwood-Randi-Pink/dp/1250768470

Review:

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was hard to finish. Not because it wasn't well written, but because it was absolutely heartbreaking. Even though this novel was fiction, May 31 1921 actually happened. Innocent people were burned alive, they were murdered in cold blood. Men, women and children alike were killed for no other reason than existing. 

Told in dual perspective, Angel of Greenwood is the heartbreaking story of two kids who are just living their lives as ordinary teenagers. At the beginning of the novel we get to know Angel and Isiah as normal teenagers. They have school, friends, families and even bullies. Suddenly they find themselves trying to survive that night in 1921 when their community burned down around them. Pink does an amazing job of breathing life into these characters and that terrifying night. Well written and heart breaking, Angel of Greenwood is an amazing book that should be near the top of everyone's "to read" list.

Sunday, January 10, 2021

2020 & 2021 Reading Goals

2020 & 2021 Reading Goals
Hi all, 

So in 2020 I set some goals for myself and had a list of books I wanted to read that year. I thought it would be fun to have a look back at those goals and create some new ones for 2021. So let's do it!

Books

Finders Keepers & End Of Watch by Stephen King - Yes! I have finished both of these!

P.S. I Still Love You & Always and Forever Lara Jean by Jenny Han - I also finished (and loved!) both of these!

Cress; Fairest; Winter & Stars Above by Marissa Meyer - I finished Cress and Winter but I did not get to Fairest & Stars Above.

Paper Towns by John Green - I started this one and ended up DNF'ing it about 1/3 of the way through.

When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman - I haven't read this one yet but I still really want to. Hopefully I'll get to it soon.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - Read it!

The Wasp Factory by Ian Banks - Not yet but hopefully soon!

Carrie; Under The Dome & The Long Walk by Stephen King - I finished Carrie but Under The Dome and The Long Walk are now goals for 2021.

The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo - Not yet, but definitely soon.

Marie Antoinette Serial Killer by Kate Alender - Read it and really enjoyed it!

The Cannibals of Candyland by Carlton Mellick III - Read it, Loved it, and now I'm hooked on the bizaro genre.

Bunny by Mona Awad - Unfortunately, I didn't get to this one yet.

The Turn of The Key by Ruth Ware - Not yet but hopefully in 2021.

Goals

1. Goodreads: My main challenge of this year is to complete 100 books. ✔ I ended this year with a total of 185 books read!

2. Popsugar: If I complete my first challenge this one shouldn't be an issue. I wanna complete the Popsugar 2020 Reading Challenge for the second year in a row. ✔ Finished!

3. Buy Less Books: This year my goal is to restrain myself from buying a mass amount of books. This includes thrift stores and garage/yard sales. It does NOT include free kindle books. To earn a new physical book I must read 5 physical books that I already own. Reading my kindle books do not count towards earning a physical book. ✔ While I did break my no buy fairly early into the year, I did not buy nearly as many books this year.

4. Read More King: This year I would like to try and read 12 Stephen King books in a year. This will be my first full year reading Stephen King so I'm pretty excited to catch up on all that I've missed. ✖ Unfortunately, I failed this one and ended the year with 6 King books. I'm still happy with that number.

5. Read Some Classics: This year I wanna read 6 classics. I'm not a huge fan of classics and therefore haven't really read that many. I'd at least like to put a small dent in books I probably should have already read. ✔ Nailed it! I ended 2020 with 9 classics read and one of those is a new favorite book!

6. Love My Books: This is the most important goal to me. Read more books that I love and that make me happy. This year I will be doing less tours and focusing more on finding that joy of reading that inspired me to start this blog to begin with.❓ I'm not sure if I did this one or not but I'm pretty sure I did.

So overall I think I did pretty well. I read 11/20 books that I wanted to read and I completed 4/6 of my reading goals.

Now for 2021..

Books

Under The Dome & The Long Walk & Misery by Stephen King


Neverday & I Knocked Up Satan's Daughter by Carlton Mellick III


We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler 


All The Stars and Teeth & All The Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace



Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher


Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning


Project Nemesis Trilogy by Brendan Reichs 


Elites of Eden & Rebels of Eden by Joey Graceffa



Goals

1. Read 100 books: I'd like to try and read at least 100 books again this year.

2. Prioritize my Physical TBR: I started 2021 with 301 physical books on my TBR, I want to cut that down as much as possible.
3. Classics: I would like to continue to read more classics. I think 6 books is a great goal to reach for.

4. Popsugar Reading Challenge: I love a challenge and hopefully I'll finish the Popsugar Reading Challenge for the third year in a row.

5. Translated Works: This year I'd like to read at least 4 translated books.

6. Series: I want to finish off as many of the series I have started as possible.

If you're still reading, thank you so much! Do you have any goals for 2021? Have you read any of the books mentioned on this post? If so, what are your thoughts? 

That's all for now but I'll be back soon with more bookish content!

See you on the moon! XO

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

My Favorite Books of 2020

 My Favorite Books of 2020

Hey all! Another year is almost over and this one has been a doozey! Thankfully, even though this has been a crap year there has still been some great books. I was able to complete a total of 185 books. Wow! So now I'm really excited to share my favorite reads of the year with you. Not all of these books were released in 2020, I just read them for the first time this year and loved them. These are also in no particular order, and honestly I'm not sure I could rank them if I tried.

Before I jump into my favorites, I want to start with these books that just missed the mark. Here are my honorable mentions....

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum


Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi


What Momma Left Me by RenΓ©e Watson


The Chain by Adrian McKinty


Now, let's jump to the favorites!

Peony in Love by Lisa See


I got lost in this magical story. This was the second book I had read by Lisa See and it sent me down a rabbit hole. I ended up reading another 3 of her books before I was able to move on.

The Cannibals of Candyland by Carlton Mellick III


This is weird and I love it! What happens when instead of children eating candy... candy is eating the children?? Well.. close enough... This is the book that made bizzaro my official guilty pleasure. 

Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery


I'm not sure how I've lived my entire life without every reading (or even watching) Anne of Green Gables. Anne is now my absolute favorite literary character ever. 

Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars by Kai Cheng Thom


Up until this book, I had never even heard of a fictional memoir. I ended up loving this book so much. I cried so hard at certain parts, the emotion behind the writing made this feel like it was someone's actual life. It's absolutely beautifully written.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling


This one is my favorite middle grade book. With captivating writing and a disabled main character who is determined to live her life as independently as possible this book is sure to leave a smile on your face.

The Radium Girls by Kate Moore


I'm not a fan of non-fiction. However, this was well written and very interesting. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to read about women's history.

Far From the Tree by Robin Benway


I fell in love with this book right from the very beginning. In this one our main character finds herself pregnant and chooses adoption, then she decides to find her own birth mother. This story was touching, beautiful and sweet. I highly recommend!

I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn


I loved everything about this book. It's one of my favorite books ever and rather than just gush about everything I love (again) I'll just leave a link to my review HERE!

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo


Elizabeth Acevedo is such a powerful writer and when you listen to her narrate her powerful words with her commanding voice it's simply amazing! If you're looking for a hard hitting story that will get you right in the chest I recommend this one. I also recommend the audiobook, not just for this one but for all her books.

Ruinsong by Julia Ember


Ruinsong is exciting, delightful and enchanting. I loved the musical magic aspect of the story. This was my first time reading about magical music but now I'm totally hooked!

Titanlord: A Thousand Ashes by M.G. Darwish


This is the second book in the Titanlord series. It's packed with tons of action and exciting adventures. Combine that with powerful magic and you have a fantasy series that will pull you into a world you won't want to leave. I personally, can't get enough of this series.

If you've still made it this far then tell me, what are your favorite books of 2020? Have you read any of my favorites? I'd love to hear from you!

See you on the moon! XO

The Headmaster's List by Melissa de la Cruz REVIEW

The Headmaster's List by Melissa de la Cruz πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ•πŸŒ‘ Blurb When fifteen-year-old Chris Moore is tragically killed in a car crash, Argy...